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Occupation Info

Tax Preparer

Overview:

Tax preparers complete income tax forms for individuals and small businesses. They analyze their clients' financial records to obtain information about income, dividends and expenses to determine the income tax owed. They use computer programs for standard calculations.

Duties:

Tax preparer accountants prepare income tax return documents for small businesses and individuals. They interview clients to determine all sources of income and deductible expenses and allowances.

Tax prepareres rganize their clients' financial transaction documentation and research the tax laws on transactions that are unusual. They confer with clients to clarify ambiguous items expenses or income.

Tax preparer accountants may use standardized computer programs to calculate the taxes owed or refunds due for their clients. They advise clients about "grey" areas that could be challenged by government tax offices.

In the event of a tax audit or challenge by a tax office, they offer explanation for the tax returns submitted. They refer to tax laws and their interpretation to defend their client.

Employment of tax preparers is expected to grow more slowly than average through 2018 due to more demand for services from those with a CPA.

Salary Range (National Average):

$43,000 to $47,000

Education Level:

Training for this occupation generally requires an Associate Degree from a 2 year or community college.

Additional Training/Education:

A college degree in accounting or financial management is the ideal educational preparation for this field. Courses in business taxation, financial accounting, cost accounting, auditing and computer-based accounting systems are essential. Some employers require that you pass the Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exam within a specified time after being hired. An associate degree will qualify you for entry assistant jobs.

Recommended Skills:

Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.

Assigning duties to others, motivating them, and evaluating their performance.

Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems.

The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.

Recommended Values:

Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.

Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreementswith other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.